Detectives are hunting three masked yobs who attempted to rob a shop in Paisley at knifepoint.

The trio – wearing balaclavas – burst into the store in Gallowhill Road and threatened the shopkeeper with a blade.

The gang entered Gallowhill Licensed Grocers around 4.10pm on Saturday and brandished the blade, however, the shopkeeper is believed to have activated his alarm, forcing the louts to flee from the scene empty-handed.

The men, who were dressed in either black or dark-coloured clothes, left the shop and turned right, where they ran down the hill and headed further into Gallowhill.

The 37-year-old shopkeeper was uninjured but has been left shaken by the ordeal.

Police in Paisley are appealing for witnesses to the incident, or for anyone who may have information, to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Alex Allardyce, who is leading the inquiry, said: “There was an attempted robbery involving three males.

“They were wearing balaclavas and black clothing and presented a weapon, a knife, at the shopkeeper and demanded money. However, they ran off when the alarm was activated.

“We are making efforts to trace those responsible and are asking members of the public to contact us.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Paisley police on their 101 non-emergency line, or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.